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Oman's northern coast showcases a couple of the nation's beauty spots, including a set of lagoons referred to locally as Bandar Jissah (home to attractive resorts) and Bandar Khayran (a popular anchorage for boat trips from Muscat). The coast itself assumes something of a split personality in this region: south of Muscat (around Al Seifa and Qurayat) the sea is often rough, with high waves pounding against rocky coves that hint at the high drama of the Indian Ocean, while west of Muscat, near the typical Omani town of Seeb, the waters share the more limpid characteristics of the Gulf as they flood gently across limitless stretches of shell-studded sands.
Inland, the desert heat bakes the scenic village of Mazara, the location of Oman's only permanent reservoir. Offering retreats from the city, scenic landscapes, water sports and cultural insights, the attractions of the region are easily accessible as day trips from Muscat.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Northern Coast.
Marine Reserve
Beyond Mutrah, the headland close to Muscat shatters into a series of khors (inlets) and bandars (natural harbours), the most extensive of which is Bandar Khayran. It’s possible to reach the bandar from the Yiti–Jebel Seifa road, but the mangrove-fringed lagoon is more usually visited by boat from Bandar Jissah or Bandar Al Rowdha. It's a popular spot for snorkelling, and at sunset the sandstone and its reflection in the water seemingly vibrate with colour.
Dam
Looming over the village of Mazara and holding back a permanent body of water, the enormous Wadi Dayqah dam is the largest in Oman. A road winds up to the reservoir, the edges of which have been pleasantly landscaped into a park, providing opportunities for a picnic. The panoramic view of the mountains reflected in the plate-glass-like water is a rare sight in the desert, and this is the largest stretch of fresh water in the country.
Waterfront
This 2km corniche, to the west of Seeb, has a landscaped area for walking, enjoying sea views, sniffing drying sardines and watching the fishermen mending nets while footballers compete for a pitch on the sand. Various ad hoc coffee shops come alive in the evenings. Swimming is possible anywhere along the beach – in discreet swimwear.
Market
Between the main road and the sea, this traditional souq is housed under some makeshift awnings in a sandy-coloured complex of buildings just off the corniche, and is a fun place to explore. Selling camel ropes and walking sticks, piles of spices, fruits and vegetables, it's very much a locals' market, but there are a couple of shops selling bright-coloured headdresses that make good souvenirs. The wet fish market has its own building further west along the corniche.
Beach
Occupying a breezy spot on the edge of the Jebel Seifa complex, independent of the neighbouring hotel, this stylish beach club boasts a palm-shaded infinity pool (open 9am to 8pm) and access to a sandy beach. At night the pool pulses with colour – much like the cuttlefish that lurk in the sea nearby. Fuller swimwear is required (no thongs). Admission is free, but use of the pool costs OR6.5, and the minimum spend per person is OR10.
Market
One place to get a feel for local Omani culture is on the main one-way road that runs in an ellipse through the heart of Seeb. Wadi Bahayis St is flanked by the gold souq, with its windows of bangles and bridal chains, and by shops and tailors selling dishdashas (shirt-dresses worn by men), kumars (caps) and abayas (robe-like dresses worn by women).
Bay
Yiti boasts a beautiful, sandy beach surrounded by craggy mountain scenery that makes an attractive spot for a swim or picnic. The beach is at the end of a large, muddy inlet that is regularly picked over by wading waterbirds. If the tide is low, you can wade to a sandbar and look left for a great view of Bandar Jissah’s famous sea arch.
Natural Feature
For a taste of a typical Omani wadi within an afternoon’s drive of Muscat, look no further than Wadi Mayh. With towering limestone cliffs forming a canyon, sand-coloured villages, back-garden date plantations, straying goats and feral donkeys – not to mention a compulsory watchtower or two – Wadi Mayh is also a geological wonder. Look out for a pair of stout aflaj (irrigation channels) that follow the course of the wadi, carrying water from one village plantation to the next.
Natural Feature
High above the coast, in the wrinkled folds of the Eastern Hajar Mountains, a combination of spring and rain water collects in deep pools along the length of Wadi Arbeieen. The area is accessible (from Hwy 17) by 4WD along the wadi bottom from Dibab, though after prolonged rains may only be navigable for a few kilometres. Any outing in this area, however, is rewarding for the beautiful mountain landscape, turquoise pools and birdlife that congregates in the waterside reeds and bushes.